Anderson County Chancellor Bill Lantrip to retire

Anderson County Chancellor William “Bill” E. Lantrip has decided not to seek reelection in 2014.

by Beverly Majors

Anderson County Chancellor William “Bill” E. Lantrip has decided not to seek reelection in 2014.

Lantrip, an Oak Ridge resident, made the announcement Thursday.

“I have shared this decision with my fellow judges and member of the bar for some time and now believe it is appropriate to make theis decision known publicly,” Lantrip said in a short news release.

“I have encouraged those interested in this office to consider pursing election during next year’s election,” his statement said. “I look forward to completing my service as I contemplate my retirement.”

Lantrip has served as chancellor for the Seventh Judicial District since 1989, and was re-elected in 2006 to his current term, which ends in 2014. He began his career in 1969 as a private practice attorney and he worked in that position until he became chancellor in 1989. He was also a the city attorney for Oak Ridge from 1977 to 1989.

Seventh District/Anderson County Chancery Court is one of 31 chancery courts in Tennessee and are considered trial courts of general jurisdiction. In general, Chancery Courts share jurisdiction with the Circuit Courts.